The most common visa for tourists into Australia is the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (visitor) (subclass 976)www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/976.An ETA (Visitor) (subclass 976) visa is designed for people who are outside Australia and want to visit Australia for holidays, tourism, recreation or for informal study.

You can stay for up to three months on each visit within the validity of the visa. ETAs are valid for 12 months from the date of grant, or for the life of the passport if the passport expires less than 12 months from the date the ETA was granted.

The ETA (Visitor) (subclass 976) visa is free of charge although there is a AU$20 application fee. Payment must be in the currency accepted by the Australian High Commission, Embassy or Consulate, where the application is being lodged.

The Visa Application Charge must accompany your application and is generally not refunded if the application is unsuccessful. Important: Visa Application Charges are reviewed on 1 July each year, which may increase the cost of a visa, however they may be adjusted at any time.

Note: European passport holders who are eligible to apply for an ETA through a travel agent, airline or specialist service provider should apply for an eVisitor if applying online.

ETA eligible passports – apply through service providers

If you hold a citizen passport issued by one of the countries or regions listed below, you can apply for an ETA through a travel agent, airline, specialist service provider or an Australian visa office outside Australia.

Malaysia
Malta
Monaco
The Netherlands
Norway
Portugal
Republic of San Marino
Singapore
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan **
United Kingdom - British Citizen
United Kingdom - British National (Overseas)
United States of America
Vatican City

* A Hong Kong Document of Identity (HKDI) cannot be used to apply for an ETA. Residents of Hong Kong require a citizen passport to apply for this visa.** Holders of Taiwan passports in Taiwan can apply through an approved ETA travel agent in Taiwan. Holders of Taiwan passports outside Taiwan can apply for an ETA at their closest Australian visa office.

If you hold a citizen passport not issued by one of the countries or regions listed above, you will need to apply directly to an Australian Embassy or Australian Consulate General.

Customs

Australia has extremely strict customs laws and large (on-the-spot) fines and heavy penalties apply to those found guilty of bringing items illegally into the country. Please refer to the Australia Customs and Boarder Protection Service website: www.customs.gov.au

ALL FOOD ITEMS (E.G. FRESH FOOD AND MEAT ITEMS) MUST BE DECLARED TO CUSTOMS OFFICERS. EVEN FOOD SERVED ON THE PLANE, INCLUDING PROCESSED ITEMS LIKE POTATO CHIPS OR TEA, MUST BE DECLARED.

ALL ORGANIC MATERIAL, LIKE WOODEN MASKS OR PLANTS, EVEN HEAVILY SOILED SHOES, MUST BE DECLARED TO CUSTOMS OFFICERS.